3 reasons the Mavs are a perfect landing spot for Kemba Walker

Charlotte Hornets point guard Kemba Walker has been one of the most underappreciated players in the NBA for years, and the Mavs would be perfect for him.

Charlotte Hornets point guard Kemba Walker has been one of the most underappreciated players in the NBA for years.

With a limited supporting cast and a front office with a history of poor draft choices, Walker has somehow kept the Hornets somewhat relevant in the Eastern Conference while showcasing some of the most elite offensive scoring abilities of any guard in the league.

After eight long years and just two playoff appearances in Charlotte, Walker heads into this summer as an unrestricted free agent. He has made an All-Star team in each of his last three seasons while averaging at least 22 points, five assists and three rebounds. And this year, Walker averaged a career high in points (25.6) while posting nearly six assists and four boards and playing all 82 games for the Hornets.

Walker is sure to have a number of suitors given his age (he will be 29 next season) and consistent improvement as a scorer and a leader.

But there is one team in particular that already possesses a slew of young talent and one bona fide superstar, and will likely be in the market for a starting point guard.

Here are three reasons why the Dallas Mavericks are a perfect landing spot for Kemba Walker.

3. Doncic can get more run on the wing

The Mavs started rookie phenom Luka Doncic at the point guard, but with his size and length, the small forward position seems like the more natural fit moving forward.

By signing Kemba Walker, the Mavs would acquire a legitimate scoring threat that can take some of the focus off of Doncic while still creating his own shot. This could make Luka even more effective and efficient playing off-ball.

Although Doncic has become renowned for his ability to create space off the dribble with his lethal step-back move, his shooting percentages suggest that he is more efficient from the perimeter when he receives good distribution.

According to NBA.com, Doncic shot 37.4 percent from beyond the arc on “Catch and Shoot” attempts, and had recorded his highest three-point percentage when he did not need to take a dribble. Given Walker's slashing prowess and his ability to drive and kick, Doncic might become that much more lethal as a shooter with added spacing.

Because the Mavs lacked shooters and did not possess a lot of scoring inside, defenses could key in on Doncic when he had the ball. But with Walker on board, Doncic may be even scarier and more effective playing off the ball because of his shooting capabilities and affinity for taking defenders off the bounce, when necessary.

Walker's presence at the one could also mask some of Doncic's deficiencies as a defender against quicker guards, which might be imperative for a team that ranked 22nd in the league in terms of defensive rating this season.

2. Pick-and-pop with Porzingis

A healthy Porzingis alongside Doncic should be a selling point in its own right, but consider how lethal Walker and Porzingis could be in pick-and-pop.

As has already been established, Walker is perfectly adept at getting the ball to the cup. Meanwhile, Porzingis is a career 36 percent shooter from deep, and was shooting close to 40 percent from beyond the arc during the 2017-18 season before he went down with the torn ACL that also kept him out for the entirety of this season.

So, Walker can get to the cup against bigger and slower bigs, or he can throw it back to Porzingis for open jumpers if the help defense comes to double. Conversely, Kemba Walker can create space for himself and fire away from deep if the defense sags off of him.

That kind of combination would be a nightmare for help and hedges on screens, and could be something reminiscent of Chris Paul and David West in their heyday with the New Orleans Hornets…only Porzingis has even more range and athleticism than West.

1. Young talent

The youngsters are starting to grow up in Dallas. Dwight Powell is finally realizing his potential as a two-way playmaker, and Jalen Brunson was spectacular after head coach Rick Carlisle gave him the starting job in the final month-plus of the season.

Tim Hardaway struggled last season, but he can still fill it up and has the potential to be a knockdown shooter from deep.

Plus, both Doncic and Porzingis are already established stars, and both players have yet to even reach their basketball prime.

By signing with the Mavs, Walker not only gives Dallas a chance to win now, but for years to come.